Why I'll Never, Ever Make Fun of Someone Wearing a Fanny Pack

Accessories designers have been trying their hardest the past few seasons to make fanny packs, erm, excuse me, belt bags take off, but I think it might be time for the Regina George school of hard knocks: Stop trying to make it happen, guys. Even with a crafty rebranding from the shudder-inducing "fanny pack" to something a bit chicer-sounding, they haven't quite found their footing (seen any fanny packs on the red carpet lately? not so much). And honestly? I'm so bummed.

I love fanny packs. I wish you could wear them without encountering odd side glances and comments from friends. Like everyone, my first experience happened in elementary school when they were legitimately cool. We had a long breakup until immediately after college graduation, when a stint spent working on music videos (I did a Britney one, guys!) required me to keep essentials handy but also be free to run around manically to grab people or things or bottles of water. It was awesome. I had a pen, my cell phone, lip balm, gum, and keys, plus a random smattering of other essentials, with me at all times. Basically, everything you'd keep in your purse, but it felt light as a feather around my waist. On-set it was a super normal thing, so no one cared, much less noticed.

Flash forward a couple of years to when I decided to pack mine for a pal's bachelorette party in New Orleans. I loaded it up with essentials, strapped it on over a summery maxidress, and hit Bourbon Street. None of my girlfriends would admit it, but even with the teasing, I think somewhere inside they were jealous at how easily I could hold a beer, dance, and generally walk down the street without a care in the world.

It hasn't had another outing since then, but I'm beginning to think the end of summer might be the perfect time to go dig mine out.

Where do you stand on the fanny pack? Have you worn one since elementary school?